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A multi-state focus on specialty crops
Applications are now being accepted for grants from USDA's Specialty Crop Multi-State Program, which is designed to address various concerns and efforts within the specialty crop industry. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Deputy Administrator Tricia Kovacs provides more details about the program. Kovacs explains the concerns in the industry that will be focused on, from plant pest and disease research to marketing and promotion. Kovacs expands on the scope of the program. That was USDA...
Nitrogen ROI matters more in 2026
With tighter crop margins forcing farmers to scrutinize every input dollar this season, nitrogen management remains one of the biggest opportunities to protect return on investment. Ron Calhoun with Nutrien says the focus is not simply cutting nitrogen, but improving...
Taking the guesswork out of fungicide applications
Figuring out when to apply fungicide can be a difficult task. There are certain things farmers can look for, but, overall, it remains mostly as an educated guess. Pioneer has a new tool that will help eliminate that guesswork and maximize yield potential. Trent Brisby...
Ecuador agrees to reciprocal trade agreement with U.S.
On March 13, Ecuador became the ninth country to sign an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States. The agreement will take some time to implement, but once in place it will remove both tariff and non-tariff barriers for U.S. beef and pork exports. U.S....
IDALS awards 30 value-added Choose Iowa grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded 30 Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants to Iowa farmers, small businesses, and organizations located across the state. Grant recipients were...
Farm bill uncertainty persists as lawmakers debate key ag policies
Uncertainty surrounding the next farm bill continues as lawmakers remain divided on several key agricultural and nutrition policy issues. Members of Congress from both parties agree on the need to update farm programs, but disagreements over funding levels, nutrition...
Ernst backs Glen Smith, USDA restructuring plan
Another Iowan could soon be stepping into a key USDA leadership role, while the department also looks to reshape how it operates across the country. Senator Joni Ernst says Glen Smith is moving through the confirmation process for a USDA under secretary role, calling...
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Bayer opens seed innovation center at ISU Research Park
A new facility in central Iowa will allow students, researchers, and other industry leaders to collaborate on the latest advances in seed production. Bayer recently announced the opening of the Seed Production Innovation (SPI) Innovation Center, located at the Iowa...
Clean Fuels Alliance submits comments on 45Z credit rule
Clean Fuels Alliance America has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Treasury Department regarding proposed rules for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, calling for additional clarity as the agency works to finalize the policy. The organization praised Treasury...
Heifer development is critical for cattle herd success
Cow numbers have been declining for the past few years. However, with the bullish cattle market, it may be time for producers to start retaining more females. Development of replacement heifers is best accomplished through quality management, implementing parasite...
February red meat exports contain bright spots for pork and beef
February exports of U.S. pork were slightly higher year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said February was a robust month for per-head export value, with pork...
John Deere updates repair tools under new EPA guidance
As planting season approaches, John Deere says new Environmental Protection Agency guidance is giving farmers more flexibility to keep equipment running during some of the most critical times of the year. The company says two recent EPA updates allow expanded...
